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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 1980-09-08 Minutes MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS, HELD IN THE CITY HALL, 7301 NORTHEAST LOOP 820, SEPTEMBER 8, 1980 - 7:30 P.M. 1. Mayor Faram called the meeting to order September 8, 1980, at 7:30 p.m. 2. Present: Dick Faram Sharyl Groves Jim 1400d J. C. Hubbard ~~i 1 ey Thomas Bob Brady Staff: Chuck Williams Jeanette ~1oore Dennis Horvath Ruth Pinner Ann Cannon Richard Albin ~1ayor Councilwoman Councilmen CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL City Manager City Secretary Director Parks & Recreation Finance Director Tax Assessor City Engi neer Press: P. J. Harbuck Pam Harwick Joe Norton North Richland News ~1i d-Citi es News The Tribune Absent: Jim Kenna Dave Freeman Rex r-1cEnti re Councilman Councilman City Attorney 3. The invocation was given by Councilman Hubbard. 4. Councilwoman Groves moved, seconded by Councilman Hubbard, to approve the minutes of the August 25, 1980 meeting. Motion carried 5-0. Mayor Faram advised the Council he had a request to move item 13 up on the agenda because the Financial Advisers had to be at another meeting. Councilman Hubbard moved, seconded by Councilman Wood, to move item 13 to this point on the agenda. Motion carried 5-0. 13. Mr. Harold McInroe, First Southwest Company, appeared before the Council. Mr. McInroe stated the bids had been taken and opened tonight in the presence of the City Manager. The bids are as follows: INVOCATION APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 25, 1980 APPROVED CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE APPROVING $2,400,000.00 CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS, WATER AND SEWER SYSTEM REVENUE BONDS SERIES 1980 APPROVED ORDINANCE # 837 September 8, 1980 Page 2 Underwood Newhaus & Company, Inc. 9.185697% 9.23098% 9.28049% Rauscher Pierce Refines E. F. Hutton & Company, Inc. Mr. McInroe stated the bids had been checked and were in compliance. Mr. McInroe recommended the Council accept the bid of Underwood Newhaus & Company, Inc. Councilman Thomas moved, seconded by Councilman Wood, to accept the bid of Underwood Newhaus & Company, Inc. Motion carried 5-0. Councilman Brady moved, seconded by Councilman Wood, to approve the minutes authorizing the issuance of the bonds. Motion carried 5-0. Mr. McInroe read the following preamble: "AN ORDINANCE by the City Council of the City of North Ri chl and Hills, Texas, authorizing the issuance of $2,400,000.00 "CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS, WATERWORKS AND SEWER SYSTEr1 REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 1980", dated September 1, 1980, to provide funds for improving and extending the City's Waterworks and Sanitary Sewer System, to wit: extensions and improvements to water distribution lines and facilities as authorized by the General Laws of the State of Texas, particularly Articles 1111 er seq. and 2368a, V.A.T.C.S.; prescribing the form of the bonds and the form of the interest coupons; pledging the net revenues of the City's combined Waterworks and Sanitary Sewer System to the payment of the principal of and interest on said bonds; enacting provisions incident and related to the subject and purpose of this ordinance, and providing an effective date. Councilman Hubbard moved, seconded by Councilwoman Groves, to approve Ordinance No. 837. Motion carried 5-0. 5. Mayor Faram read the following Proclamation: WHEREAS, courageous and dedicated people in fire service protected the lives and dreams of their neighbors from the ravages of fire since the beginning of civilization; and, PROCLM~ATION - PROCLAIMING MEMORIAL SUNDAY FOR FIRE FIGHTERS OCTOBER 5, 1980 WHEREAS, many of these brave people have suffered permanent disability and many have made the ultimate expression of love for their neighbor by laying down their lives; and September 8, 1980 Page 3 WHEREAS, numerous churches of many denominations have indicated a desire to participate in a designated Memorial Sunday to honor these consecrated men for their ultimate sacrifices for their fellow men: NOW, THEREFORE, I, Dick Faram, Mayor of the City of North Richland Hills, Texas, do hereby proclaim October 5, 1980 as "~1EMORIAL SUNDAY FOR FIRE FIGHTERS" in the City of North Richland Hills and call upon our citizens to pause and remember those Fire Fighters who have been killed or disabled in the performance of their duty. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of North Richland Hills, Texas, to be affixed this 8th day of September, A.D., 1980. 6. City Manager Chuck Williams presented the following budget message: Mayor and Members of the City Council City of North Richland Hills, Texas The following annual budget for the fiscal year of 1980-81 is hereby submitted for your careful consideration and approval. Certainly, the responsibility of drafting and administering this budget rests with the City Manager. This budget incorporates the efforts of my administration personnel of whom I express my deepest appreciation for their assistance. PUBLIC HEARING - 1980-81 BUDGET FOR CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS The Charter does require an increase in salaries consistent with the increase in the latest published national cost of living index. That increase is now projected at 14.3%. This budget reflects an increase of salaries in the amount of $618,000 which includes the addition of 13 employees whose combined salaries total $188,713. An increase of non-departmental expenditures include such items as insurance, social security benefits, retirement, general liability, workmans compensation and reserve contingencies. This is required as a result of the increase in salaries. Our supply requirements will increase by $147,178. Because of the requirement to increase the salaries, it should be noted that some supplies will be sacrificed. An example, the present tax rate was set in 1973 and was based on gasoline at 22¢ a gallon. The price in 1980 is $1.03 a gallon. Asphalt cost in 1975 was $5.00 a ton and in 1980 is $20.00 a ton. The cost of asphalt may be increased to $30.00 a ton by the end of the year. These are just two examples of our increase in supply cost, it would be too lengthy to cover all September 8, 1980 Page 4 the increases such as office supplies, vehicle supplies, etc. The capital expenditure is increased $54,000. Included in that category is a $22,000 asphalt roller which is replacing a 1950 model and half of a computer which is $50,000. The other half of the computer will be paid for by revenue sharing. The computer is required for financial updating of records in accounting and keeping records that we are unable to keep now. The computer will enable us to furnish additional information on utility, taxation, payroll, court, legal, police, and general ledger account. Thereby, permitting us to furnish tax data information for previous years with greater accuracy. The specifications for this computer were worked up by an advisory committee which included citizens and professionals with expertise in that area. The franchise fee of $13,000 is our payment to the City of Watauga for use of their streets and highways for water services. There is an overall increase in the general fund portion of this budget of $801,096.35. To meet the requirement of this budget will require a 23% tax increase and that will generate $519,678 additional revenue plus the $341,594 that will be generated because of increased services provided for in this city. This includes franchise taxes, sales taxes, fines and forfeitures, revenues and investment charges for current services and revenues, the sale of maps, administration fees, billing income and registration fees, etc. Other things are important to the city, however, priorities are placed where services to the taxpayers will be rendered without a greater tax increase. Some of the equipment in the fire department needs replacing. We have 1952 model fire trucks. It is not a question of us trying to improve what he have right now but rather just maintaining what we currently have. Our present budget passed and approved for October 1, 1979 started us with a surplus of $151,067 of uncommitted funds. Included in this is $60,673.11 taxes receivable which are not a cash item, leaving a balance of $90,394.61 to start the year. Some of the unforeseeables that came about included a $67,000 overrun on Davis Boulevard which originally projected at $460,000 cost $527,000 and the $67,000 reflects that difference. The fire station that has been built on Davis Boulevard. It cost $15,000 more than what we had budgeted, leaving a balance of $8,394.61. These overruns make somewhat of a necessity to budget some surplus because of some inflationary escalations that will arise with the city at the present time. While a 23% increase may appear to be excessive, we feel it is necessary to face the reality that we have fallen behind because of budget years between 1973-79 which have been set on 1973 prices. These are some of the items that were cancelled that were budgeted in 1979-80. 1. Animal Control Shelter - $30,000 2. Marquee Sign for City Hall - $4,000 We had received approval for parks and wildlife division for $212,000 expended on Fossil Creek Park. Suggestion by our Engineer was that it would cost $500,000. We do not have the balance of funds to go ahead with this park. It is hoped that this budget document adequately meets those needs and demands of the citizens of North Richland Hills, as can only be determined and implemented by their elected representati ves, the r1ayor and ~1embers of the City Council. It is further hoped that through sound economic management, police guidance, and future planning North Richland Hills will continue to improve its level of services. City Manager Williams stated that the following is the city budget in slightly more detail. I NCO~1E PORTI ON Our revenues are derived from the following sources: Taxes - Real Estate & Personal 39.40% Of the $1.25 - 85¢ goes to the taxes toward the general operation of the city. Interest & Sinking Fund - of the 18.37% $1.25 - 40¢ goes to Interest & Sinking fund because we have to have these dollars on hand in order to qualify for general obligation bonds that he have issued. The following are projected figures based on last years income. Franchise - This is the money that 10.35% the Utility companies pay us to operate in our city. Sales Tax - We receive 1% sales tax 16.07% from all businesses based on their sales. This comes in monthly. Fines - Municipal Court 3.00% September 8, 1980 Page 5 Other - Includes: 12.81% 1. Building inspection fees 2. Garbage billing income 3. Income from Utility Dept. (which pays for majority of finance budget) 4. Ambulance fees 5. Recreation fees 6. Animal Control 7. Miscellaneous city revenue General Obligation - Total Revenues $4,917,307.19 $3,445,800.00 $8,363, 1 07 . 19 Utility - Total Revenues Grand Total EXPENSE PORTION September 8, 1980 Page 6 Expenditures: This slide is broken down into six categories: Administration - Salary $367,066.50 City Council, City Manager, Finance1_City Secretary, Tax, Civil~\vice, Legal, Court PUBLIC WORKS - SALARY $390,427.80 Inspection, City Garage, Streets, Traffic Control PARKS & RECREATION/NUMICIPAL BUILDING - SALARY $ 96,789.40 Parks, Recreation Center, Municipal Building POLICE DEPARTMENT - SALARY $877,636.88 $693,868.88 $ 73,048.80 FIRE DEPARTMENT - SALARY LIBRARY - SALARY 7.46% 7.94% 1.97% 17.85% 14.11% 1. L1.9% These salaries are for our 182 full time employees, 10 part time employees and 15 part time instructors employed by our recreation center. Supplies that are needed to run our city in the amount of $404,427.54 which is 8.22% of the budget include asphalt for our streets, office supplies, chemicals, gas/oil, vehicle equipment supplies, hand tools, etc. September 8, 1980 Page 7 Contractual Services in the amount of $458,999.14 which is 9.33% of the budget include our Engineering services, electrical power, natural gas energy, radio maintenance and equipment rental. Non-Departmental in the amount of $463,170.26 which is 9.42% of the budget includes Workmans Comp., Social Security, Retirement, Hospital, Building, Liability, and unemployment insurance. Interest & Sinking Fund in the amount of $903,628.19 which is 18.38% of the budget is the amount that we have to have in dollars on hand in order to qualify for general obligation bonds that we have issued. ~ita~ in the amount of $188,243.80 which is 3.83% of the budget is a oca ed for purchase of large ltems or equipment that last over 2 years. TOTAL $4,917,307.19 1 om~ As you know I came on board f1ay of this year, at that time I gave my staff the following guidelines for their budget estimates. 1. rJew personnel only on emergency bas is. 2. Office equipment only on emergency basis. 3. Absolute minimum of new equipment (City manager [). Department !leads will personally inspect) 4. Contact all supplies/contractors for inflation estimates. Electric iJatura 1 Gas Paper products Petroleum products Gas Aspha lt 35% Use 30 year average plan 20~6 $1.50 per gallon $30.00 ton Postage 20¢ - First Class This slide introduces the new positions that will be added this fiscal year. This number is misleading as we are actually adding 5 employees of \'Jhich are: Police Officers - 2 The Police Department has determined that the need for a school liaison/ public information officer dictated our recent decision to assign one (1) of our current police officers to work in this area. Although this program has just begun, contact has been made with every school in ~Jorth Richland Hills by our school liaison officer. The reception of this program was so overwhelming by all the schools that this will need to be a full-time, permanent assignment. September 8, 1980 Page 8 The school liaison/public information officer has already scheduled several safety talks in our elementary schools and will be holding a block party in the North Hills area. The block party is designed to inform the residents of that area how they can better secure their homes and property and to recognize and report any suspicious actvity in their neighborhood to the police department. The news media will be in attendance and will be running an article (with pictures) regarding our entire program. We need (1) additional police officer to replace this person on patrol. Further justification for the second additional police officer II is explained in the undermanned condition of our Patrol Shift No. 1 (7 A.M. - 3 P.~1.). This shift has been short personnel for this entire year. Police activity during this shift is as great or greater than the other shifts and this coupled with the undermanned condition quite often gives our citizens a less than adequate number of patrol personnel to handle all the calls for service. .~ Public Safety Dispatcher - 1 The one additional dispatcher requested in the 1980-81 budget is based on the city's need to provide two dispatchers during peak activity periods. By strategically assigning this new dispatcher, we would be better able to handle the activities being generated that directly affect this very critical function of public safety. Clerks - 2 Las t year "these clerks were pa i d for from a grant program. The City agreed to pick them up as employees. The 8 firefighters are not new positions added this fiscal year. However, the firefighters are currently on board. When our new fire station on Davis Blvd. opened additional firefighters were added. Actually we must absorb these eight positions into this fiscal year since they were not budgeted for in the 1979-80 fiscal year. This slide introduces a few major items that were requested by my staff and I might add were justified. However, these items were deleted in order to insure that we could operate within the tax rate that will be presented to you tonight. As you can see by the list we deleted: Tax Vehicle 3 police cars Animal control shelter Police equipment lease Reserve ambulance Asphalt spreader Street sweeper r~ower tractor 2 dump trucks Front end loader 2 Hydro spreaders $ 6,000.00 $21,000.00 $10,000.00 $ 4,500.00 $10,000.00 $13,000.00 $18,000.00 $11 ,000.00 $36,000.00 $51,000.00 $ 3,000.00 Radio Console (All city Frequencies) Fire truck City Hall Security lighting Radios (Fire Marshal IS office) Fire Department ehicle Offi ce furniture Security gate - Library L i by'ary typewriter Police Department uniforms Counter Top - Court Clerk Court Clerk - typewriter Co~rt Cash register Tax Office cash register 10 new personnel September 8, 1980 Page 9 $15,000.00 $55,000.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 4,800.00 $ 6,000.00 $ 1,100.00 $ 800.00 $ 1,000.00 $23,000.00 $ 800.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 1,200.00 $ 1,200.00 $100,000.00 $395,400.00 This final slide introduces those large equipment items that have been requested in this year's budget under capital expenditures. 6 Police Cars Supplemental Fire Equipment (Nozzles, air pak repairs, explosion meter, axes, pike poles, ladders, tarps, smoke ejectors, generator and high power aire compressor) Asphalt roller/trailer Heaters for maintenance shop Fire fighting equipment - radios (Portable and mobile radios for fire apparatus) Computer (1/2 from revenue sharing) TOTAL $45,000.00 $19,000.00 $22,000.00 $ 2,000.00 $ 9,000.00 $50,000.00 $147,000.00 The total 1980-81 fiscal year budget of $4,917,307.19 is 29% above the 1979-80 fiscal year figure of $3,794,631.73. We must all realize this budget is simply a guideline for operating expenditures. The following are guidelines for the next fiscal year. I. Primary - To improve all services to the residents of North Richland Hills 1. To reduce burglary in our resident's homes while they are away. To reduce and eliminate narcotics and people that are making the narcotics available to our young school adults. 2. Better trained and educated police officers. 3. Also for the expenditure of funds approved for the use in the Police Department. September 8, 1980 Page 10 4. As the City expands so will the fire protection problems. Plans for better coverage to reduce fire insurance rates. 5. Continue a rigorous training program for all personnel. This will keep personnel abreast of firefighting techniques. 6. Furnish school for renewal of approximately 8-10 U1Tls. This will enable the fire department to continue providing quality ambulance service with highly trained personnel. 7. To continue our highly professional ambulance personnel. 8. The maintenance department will continue patching chug holes and street cuts and with the recent bond approval be able to repair roadways. 9. The No.1 goal of the public works department is to build and maintain better streets for the city of North Richlan9 H lls. 10. We are preparing to receive another source of water through Trinity River Authority in August 1981. 11. We are installing larger transmission lines as needed per our master plan. 12. Our goal is to provide adequate water service to the city of North Richland Hills. 13. He plan to read all water meters in the city on a timely basis. Recording and accounting all city funds in an accurate and appropriate manner. 14. The next is to see that all maps and records are in first class shape before turning them over to the Central Appraisal Office. This will insure good service from the Central Office not only for the city staff but also for the citizen. 15. r1aintain close relationship \'Jith Richland Youth Association thereby providing recreation and organized sports programs for over 1000 youths in our area. 16. Using local volunteer help and city equipment/personnel, we plan to construct at least one additional softball field for adult recreation. 17. We were able to double participation at our recreation center this past year. Next year we plan major physical improvements in the recreation center. These will begin within 30 days. 18. By specializing these responsibilities of a permanently assigned planning and zoning coordinator, we will improve overall customer convenience by coordinating the inspections, engineering activities, permits, platting, zoning and city planning activities. September 8, 1980 Page 11 We are working on a long range financial plan for our city. By analyzing past growth and projecting our financial future we expect to improve our budgeting process, major equipment life-cycling, as well as providing an overall financial outlook for the years ahead. We want to assure the taxpayers that your city employees are returning the time, effective protection, and service for the tazpayers dollars spend and maintain a high level of cooperation to all who need our services. My Staff and I certainly appreciate the Mayor and Council IS participation, cooperation, and many days and evenings given to the city during this budget preparation. Hopefully, with the completion of Rufe Snow industrial and commercial business will ease the burden on our citizens. I hereby present this budget to you for your consideration and approval. II Mayor Faram opened the public hearing and called for anyone wishing to speak to please come forward. The following citizens appeared and spoke on the budget: Mr. Bill Ratliff, 9324 Amundson; Mrs. Linday Hartshuk, 7425 Deaver; Mr. Jim Kate, 4320 Deaver;Mr. Mark Hanan, 6727 Greendale Court; Mr. Don Fry, 6505 Riddle; Mrs. Davis, Rt. 1, Smithfield; Mrs. Nancy Simmons, 8725 Stewart; Mr. Leroy Hartshuk. Mayor Faram closed the public hearing. 7. Mayor Faram opened the public hearing and called for anyone wishing to speak to please come forward. There being no one wishing to speak, Mayor Faram closed the public hearing. PUBLIC HEARING - PROPOSED AD VALOREM TAX INCREASE 8. Councilman Hubbard moved, seconded by Councilman Wood, to approve Ordinance No. 838, as submitted. Motion carried 6-0. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE ADOPTING AND APPROVING THE BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS FOR FISCAL YEAR OCTOBER 1,1980 APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 838 --1 9. Mayor Faram read the following caption: "AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF AN AD VALOREM TAX ON PROPERTY SITUATED WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS, ON THE 1ST DAY OF JANUARY, 1980, EXCEPT SUCH PROPERTY AS MAY BE EXEMPT FROM TAXATION BY THE CONSTITUTION AND THE STATUTES OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, ESTABLISHING A DELINQUENT DATE; AND SETTING THE RATE OF PENALTY AND INTEREST AND PRESCRIBING ATTORNEY'S FEES TO BE COLLECTED ON DELINQUENT TAXES; DECLARING A FIRST, PRIOR AND SUPERIOR LIEN ON ALL REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY AS OF JANUARY 1ST, 1980, TO SECURE PAYMENT; ORDAINING OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT AND DECLARING AND EFFECTIVE DATE. II Councilman Hubbard moved, seconded by Councilman Thomas, to approve Ordinance No. 839. Motion carried 6-0. 10. Councilman Wood moved, seconded by Councilwoman Groves, to approve Resolution No. 80-29. Motion carried 6-0. 11. Councilman Brady moved, seconded by Councilman Freeman, to approve Ordinance No, 840. Motion carried 6-0. 12. Mayor Faram advised the Council there would not be a quorum for this meeting. Councilman Hubbard moved, seconded by Councilman Brady, to cancel the September 22 meeting and reschedule the meeting for September 15, 1980. Motion carried 6-0. September 8, 1980 Page 12 CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR LEVY AND COLLECTION OF AD VALOREM TAX ON 1ST DAY OF JANUARY, 980 APPROV ED ORDINANCE NO. 839 CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION PURSUANT TO ORDINANCE NO. 676 EXEMPTING $7,000.00 ASSESSED VALUE ON HOMESTEAD PROPERTY OWNED BY PEOPLE OVER 65 YEARS OF AGE APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 80-29 CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE APPROVING THE PERSONNEL CLASSIFICATION CHART FOR 1980-81 APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 840 APPROVAL TO CANCEL THE SEPTEMBER 22, REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APPROV ED 13. This item heard at the beginning of the meeting. 14. Mr. Albin made the following presentation: The Community Development Program target area was bounded on the south by Onyx Drive South; on the north by Glenview Drive; on the east by Rufe Snow Drive; and the west by Rogene. These needs were found to be drainage improvements on Mackey Creek Channel. Citizen input forms were available for those wishing to make an input. The purpose of the public hearing was to consider the projects which would satisfy these needs. The City Staff in the absence of citizen input has proposed a continuation of the 3 year Community Development project which began in 1978. Phase I of the channel improvements have been constructed from Onyx Drive South to Jerrell Street. Phase II, which includes channel liner extension and culvert reconstruction at Jerrell Street was presently being designed. Phase III is proposed from Jerrell to Harmonson. Mayor Faram opened the public hearing and called for anyone wishing to speak to please come forward. There being no one wishing to speak Mayor Faram closed the public hearing. The next public hearing will be held October 13, 1980. 15. Mayor Faram adjourned the meeting of September 8, 1980. .~ ATTEST: ) September 8, 1980 Page 13 PUBLIC HEARING - ON CDBG FUNDING AND SETTING 2ND HEARING FOR OCTOBER 13, 1980 ADJOUNMENT